Vacheron Constantin have shown the Patrimony collection a lot of love already this year with a handful of standout models such as the Manual Winding and Moon Phase Retrograde Date. However, with its 1950s inspiration and sleek dress watch charm, it’s a collection well worth loving and 2024 does mark its 20th anniversary. In honour of said milestone, VC have released one of the most unique editions of the watch I’ve ever seen in the form of the new Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding x Ora Ïto.
Ora Ïto is a French designer who has worked with Vacheron Constantin many times before as part of the “One of Not Many” talent program. A true polymath when it comes to design, he’s tackled everything from cars, to shoes, perfume bottles, headphones, glasses frames, furniture, cookware, public transportation, baggage and jewellery. And much, much more. When it comes to his work at Vacheron though, one concept rules above all others, “simplexity”.
“Simplexity” is neologism that combines the notions of simplicity and complexity. Effectively it’s the concept of creating a complex object that is disguised as a simple one. Or alternatively finding a simple solution to a complex problem. The Patrimony collection is itself the ultimate expression of this concept, presenting VC’s immaculate horology under the guise of a refined and elegant timepiece.
In order to highlight this, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding x Ora Ïto is made from one of the most classical dress watch materials in existence, yellow gold. The case measures 40mm in diameter with a thickness of just 8.5mm giving it interesting proportions. It’s a touch wider than you’d expect of a vintage inspired dress watch but that added size allows the dial to shine all the more.
It’s a tone-on-tone yellow gold dial with an engraved concentric circle pattern motif. Compared with the smooth dials of the existing Patrimony dial, seeing it textured with an additional level of three-dimensionality is particularly striking. Taking us back to the concept of “simplexity” the circle motif is itself very simple but its addition adds a layer of visual complexity to the design. The same can be said of the applied hour markers and pearl shaped minute indicators.
Beneath the distinctive dial is housed the calibre 2450, a time and date movement with a 40-hour power reserve. It’s finished to a high degree with circular graining, Côtes de Genève and an openworked Maltese Cross rotor. It’s a solid movement though not particularly outstanding by VC standards, which is likely a mirror of Ora Ïto’s desire to keep things intentionally simple.
The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding x Ora Ïto is a limited edition of 100 pieces and is presented on a burgundy calf leather strap. As a celebration of the Patrimony’s 20th anniversary, I think it works nicely. It’s distinctive enough to feel special while retaining enough of the core design elements of the collection to be recognisable. Perhaps not surprising as a watch built in the 2000s inspired by the 1950s with a 70s design is sure to be distinct. It’s priced at £34,000, which is appropriate for a gold timepiece in today’s market.
Price and Specs:
More details at Vacheron Constantin.